Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
THE church plays a central role in providing spiritual guidance, fostering community, preserving religious traditions, and serving as a place of worship, education, and support – offering members a sense of belonging and framework for moral and ethical values.
It would be nice if politics could be eliminated from the church, but on the other hand, that might cause congregants to become theologically lazy or myopic.
Often, in the heat of conflict, people open their Bibles with a fresh willingness to learn and grow, and, in the heat of the moment, are forced to engage with others and discover whether they are partly right or wrong.
In the end, the One who appoints and removes kings is more than capable of managing the chaos that human politics can create, even within the church.
Welcome to the African Apostolic Church, founded in 1959 by Mutumwa Paul Mwazha of Africa – a former Methodist evangelist-cum-educationist, whose appeal to a broad cross-section of society cannot be overstated, having attracted a substantial following both in the country and beyond its borders.
Mutumwa Mwazha is now 107, unable to attend church services due to old age.
His approach to spirituality and church work includes claims that God speaks directly to the congregation, encourages public confession of sins, holds all-night revival meetings, and possesses the power to heal the sick and raise the dead.
He founded his church in 1959 after working several years as a Methodist evangelist and school headmaster.
Visions and dreams play a pivotal role in his religious practice, and at one point he had a dream in which “the Lord showed me multitudes of would-be followers of my way of worship dressed in white cassocks.”
At the age of 22, he had a vision in which he “was commissioned to be an apostle of the African continent” prompting his multitudes of followers alternatively call him Mutumwa (God’s Messenger or Angel).
Testimonies are a common ritual at AAC gatherings, the latest being the Passover Feast at its Nyahukwe Tabernacle, on the outskirts of Rusape, last weekend.
“I used to suffer a series of miscarriages before the pregnancies get to three months.We tried everything and spent a fortune seeking a solution, but to no avail,” said Mrs Edith Mutamba in her testimony during the Passover gathering at Nyahukwe.
“I was prayed for in this church after being convinced that the problem could be solved through intense prayer with church elders, and I am happy to confess that I have received help. I am grateful because the Lord Jesus, who sent Paul Mwazha of Africa, saved my life and that of my unborn child. I have since given birth, and the baby I am holding is seven-months-old. I now pray for God’s protection over my child against all forms of illness and the devil’s machinations,” she said.
Another follower expressed his faith that God would heal his limbs and enable him to walk again.
“As you can see my condition, I would like to ask for forgiveness for all my transgressions, believing that my Maker will forgive and heal me of my condition,” he said, after which he was prayed for by the church leadership. Another woman, one Mrs Mabhurezha, who had been healed from a painful breast condition, also shared her testimony.
Bishop Dr Leonard Mukumba said about 18 000 pilgrims from various parts of the country and continent attended the Passover.
“This is one of the most important gatherings of the church, as we take Holy Communion – the blood and body of Christ. About 90 per cent of our local membership attended the Passover feast.
People began gathering on Friday, undergoing lessons and self-reflection before partaking in Holy Communion. Only those who have been baptised were eligible to receive it. One must also confess their transgressions, be holy and clean before the Lord before receiving Holy Communion,” said Bishop Mukumba.
Politics is often driven by personal agendas, where individuals pursue their own interests.
The major complication arises when these agendas, often personal and sometimes selfish, are presented as if they are solely for the sake of Christ’s cause.
This is further complicated by the fact that it is rarely malice that drives personal agendas, but rather well-intentioned individuals who genuinely believe their goals are righteous, losing sight of the broader picture and justifying their ideas as the entire mission.
The AAC is now divided between Mwazha’s sons – Bishops Edward Ngonidzashe, Alfred Kushamisa, and Tawanda Israel.
Bishop Ngonidzashe Mwazha, the eldest son, enjoys considerable support within the church.
AAC chairman, Bishop Elson Tafa said Bishop Ngoni Mwazha’s group remains loyal to Mutumwa Mwazha’s leadership and teachings, often consulting him on all matters, including the current Passover preparations, which he has blessed.
He said they operate with his express authority, adhering to tradition and respecting his authority as the permanent head of the AAC.
“Mutumwa authorised this gathering, and we convene with his full blessings. Tradition dictates that we consult him first. No other leader can claim to represent the AAC without his express authority. We operate under his blessing and guidance. We seek his guidance and endorsement for all our plans.
“We believe he was sent by God, and we follow his principles, which have remained unchanged since the church’s inception. As long as he is alive, we remain steadfast in our faith, refusing to deviate or follow others.
“Our loyalty and devotion remain unwavering. Mutumwa blessed this Passover, but due to his advanced age (107) and health issues, he was unable to attend. His firstborn son, Bishop Edward Ngoni Mwazha represented him at the proceedings. Despite his age, Mutumwa remains mentally sharp, issuing instructions and guidance. After the event, Bishop Ngoni will brief him on the proceedings, ensuring his continued involvement in the church’s affairs,” he said.
Bishop Tafa reflected on Mutumwa’s advanced age and health, saying it inspires confidence and hope in the church. He said Mutumwa’s longevity demonstrates God’s favour and care.
“As followers, we believe that adhering to God’s commandments and Mutumwa’s teachings will similarly bless us with long life and good health.
His continued presence ensures the church remains true to his principles, guided by his wisdom,” he said.
He summarised Mutumwa’s instructions ahead of the Passover – to worship in truth and spirit, abide by the Ten Commandments, and follow biblical teachings.
“Mutumwa values truthfulness, honesty, integrity, love, empathy, and unity, emphasising that ‘unity is strength.’ He warns against hypocrisy and encourages resolving disagreements through unity and love, stressing the importance of moving forward together as the body of Christ,” he said.
Despite Mutumwa Mwazha’s emphasis on “unity is strength,” his family has struggled with unity, resulting in three factions of the church led by his sons.
Church politics, driven by personal agendas, can lead to division.
Bishop Tafa said they follow Mutumwa, not his children, adding that he instructed his children to succeed him in order of seniority, with the eldest son leading.
“We follow Mutumwa, not his children. He instructed his children to succeed him in order of seniority, with the eldest leading. The children should honour and submit to each other in their order of seniority. Since he is still alive, we will only follow his clear instructions and will not engage in conflicts involving his children. Instead, we will fellowship with those who adhere to his succession plan. We pray for unity among the children, as their father is the permanent leader of the AAC,” he said.
Bishop Tafa said education is a cornerstone of their church, citing Mutumwa’s background as a headmaster, and the church advocates for equal opportunities for both boys and girls.
“Our people attend school to fulfil their potential. Mutumwa himself was an educationist. He wants people to be schooled. Education opportunities should be equitably distributed to both the boy and girl child. The girl child should not be discriminated against. Everyone, male and female, should be free to pursue education to the fullest in this church. Women, even in marriage, should not be suppressed – men should support their families, and women should support them in return,” he said.
On female bishops or preachers, Bishop Tafa said: “We do not simply think and act on impulse – we do not borrow everything from the world. Mutumwa follows the dictates of the Bible, which does not allow for it. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that a woman should be a bishop or preach in church. Leadership is reserved for men, according to the word of God. Those other claims to the contrary are secular and pertain to this world, from which the church is separate. We cannot follow the world – we are guided by the Bible and our leader, who provides us with a clear direction on what we should follow.”
